White Smoke

Marigold, on a call with her father, mentions her confusion about the neighborhood improvement plans. Her father suggests she follow the money: “[T]hat’s what happens in cities that are controlled by investors” (147). On a run, Marigold sees Erika waiting for a ride to visit her imprisoned father. She explains how an overly harsh law resulted in a 900% increase in imprisonments after Governor Sterling (older brother to the foundation head) managed to get a law passed for a 20-year minimum if someone is caught with marijuana. The law has become more lenient in recent years, but the sentences remain. Tamara finally returns Marigold’s calls; she is angry about a prank she thinks Marigold pulled: Someone FaceTimed her all night from Marigold’s computer, breathing heavily. Tamara shows a screenshot. The face is hidden, and it is too tall for Piper. Marigold thinks about The Hag and tells Tamara about recent events.

Marigold attends a party Erika invites her to. She finds herself watching Yusef DJ, attracted to him. Erika lets Marigold smoke the marijuana she has, and the two girls have a great time. Yusef is angry and bitter that Marigold smokes, but she cannot control her craving and takes many hits from Erika.